Foodbanks wishes fulfilled thanks to funding
Foodbanks have been helping feed members of the Hurunui District’s communities since 1991.
A large central space for food distribution has been top of the wishlist for foodbank volunteers as the District’s population has continued to grow, and thanks to external funding this has now become a reality.
Earlier last year Satisfy Food Rescue partnered with Hurunui District Council and local Hurunui food banks to develop the ‘Satisfy Food Hub’ which is planned for Waipara. This initiative will be funded by the Ministry of Social Development (MSD).
Based in Kaiapoi, Satisfy Food Rescue is a community led group that collects surplus food from food retailers, wholesalers and growers and supplies it to over 30 North Canterbury food banks and community led organisations supporting people in need.
Manager of Satisfy Food Rescue Stef Van Meer said having the Hub will mean a convenient centralised storage facility for Hurunui’s foodbanks.
“We are really looking forward to having a physical presence in the Hurunui District and having our resources handy to local foodbanks.”
Van Meer said having the Hub will give them the ability to identify other community organisations who may benefit, such as local groups hosting events.
The Council’s Community Partnerships Manager Rhea Duffy said funders are an integral part of lending a helping hand within communities, by enabling access to resources.
“The relationships we have with all our funders are extremely valued. Without their support many of our projects would not make it off the ground.”
Current projects, programmes and networks the Council are involved with support of external funding include:
- Mayor’s Taskforce for Jobs, funded by MSD.
- Driver Mentoring Programme, partly funded by MSD.
- Together Hurunui, funded by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) for its migrants, prevention of family violence and mental health projects.
- The Welcoming Communities Programme, funded by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
- Hurunui Youth Programme, funded by the Rātā Foundation.
- A community hub, funded by the DIA.